Hey all! It's been a few days, and that is due to me struggling with how I wished to write this beginning portion. The prologue and chapter 1 were a solid foundation in my mind. However! This chapter is going to end up covering a large portion of their world. as such I need to begin fully with it's base. That is why this chapter, aside from a small portion, will be dedicated to a Narrative style of writing. This is mostly due to the fact it's easier for me to introduce these ancients without fleshing them out while I debate on how I want them to be. From serious to goofy as shit.
As such! I have decided that this chapter will be detailing the Awakening of Luxio, the Dragon Queen of the Draconian Empire, it won;t be a long section, then I plan to pop into the awakening of an ancient in the far frozen North. From there it will go into the POV of Rage, and you all finally see what he get's from Moon, and Aegis as his rewards. ^.^
As always, much love and cookies. Next chapter we get a poll, it may lead to the first REAL tragedy of the story, or it may lead to a discovery. Who knows. I won;t be hinting any at what either option leads toward either. Mwuahahaha.
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Narrative - Luxio Awakening
Deep in the mountain, in the hollowed out chamber where the Queen of the Draconian Empire slumbered was now a ruin of stone, and gems. The bed of gold she slept upon strewn all around the massive chamber, which comprised a good portion of the mountain itself; the massive Dragon herself was awake now.
Staring down at a nervous, and obviously frightened Lord Dravon, who if he were able, would be sweating bullets. Their leader, their Matriarch and Queen had awoken centuries ahead of schedule, and he had only just saved the seat 0of the Draconian Empire from turning to rumble as she tossed herself into waking.
It had cost a full one hundred Draconian Mages their lives, as they depleted their energy into the spell at the last moment, and while the cost was great, it was worth it.
A voice, booming and powerful filled the chamber. "Tell me what has occurred of late to cause the surge I felt."
Lord Dravon, being powerful but not a power himself, would not have felt the ripple sent through the world when rage had awoken. As such, he could not answer her. This angered the great Dragon, causing her to lower her head to his level. What met him was an eye, double his height and bright yellow as she regarded him.
"A ripple, you worm, a ripple of POWER was sent out from a point near the edge of our borders, I doubt you managed to expand that far into BeastMen lands while I slumbered. Find it, and bring it to me. I want to see what awoke me."
Lord Dravon could but hastily bow, and rush out of the chambers, his mind a whirl of thoughts and fears. The only thing it could be, would be Fort Tridant. He did not know for certain, but rational deduction would conclude that it had to do with that place, and the last two battles that had occurred.
He had an inkling it would involve the savage silver haired offspring of The Blood Father, however it was not a fact held true. He'd simply round the entire lot up, and bring them to Luxio, and hope that his rationalization was correct.
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Narrative - The Frozen Beast
The Frozen North, an inhospitable and desolate wasteland filled with the Giant tribes, and several other monstrosities that lived, and breathed survivalism. Only the strong thrived in this environment, and nothing sane willing went to this place.
It spoke volumes about the creatures that called it home. In the furthest flung reaches of this desolate tundra lay a place barren of life. Ice covered the entire section of this part of the North. Snow that landed simply froze, creating the massive ice pillars that covered, and dominated the outer edge, while a huge dome of ice lay at its center. The odd part however, was that it only expanded a few feet every decade or so, but even with all the snow, never truly reached the skies.
It seemed stuck in place. It was also a place the young, inspirational, Giant that was uniting the clans went most often to contemplate. Or so he said.
He was currently outside the single entrance through the spiked outcropping, a lonely path filled with the bones of long lost creatures that no longer held names in their history.
A breath could be heard from within, where once nothing but the silence of the grave could be heard. It had started a month ago, when the youth had stumbled upon the forbidden place, and wondered in. A voice tickling his mind, showing him images of glory and power, for a promise. That promise was what was behind the young leader.
A line of twenty Trolls that he had captured in a raid, and he sent the normally stoic beast, now almost mad with fear, into the entrance. Denying the broken beasts the ability to go anywhere but forward.
And forward they went, into the dark that felt alive. Not long after entry, the screams could be heard. Guttural, and tinged with madness as whoever, or whatever had taken residency within began to slaughter the offering. The promised deaths in exchange for knowledge, and power.
What lay within this deathly section of the tundra, the youth did not know. Or care, it promised him what he always wished, and in exchange for only this. Twenty sacrifices of any kind to be sent to it every week.
When the screaming had stopped, a sigh escaped the pathway and a whisper could be heard. The sound bone chilling, like the wheeze of a corpse long denied access to the air outside a tomb.
"Gain the rest of the tribes, show them your might, and you will be ready. To the South lay the Humans, and the Elven, and the Dwarfish folks. They are weak from strife and political intrigue. Strike them first, burn their cities, ravage their people, and you will be given the power of Ice. Along with the secrets buried within my tomb, should you succeed."
The young leader bowed at the entrance, and the glowing blue orbs seen just at the edge of darkness, a shape barely made out yet unable to be seen properly stood their. Then he turned a left, running in truth, from the creature trapped within.
The creature itself watched the pitiful beast flee, and awaited the next offering. It grew in power with each sacrifice, and soon would be able to break the bonds that bound it. All while dreaming of the feast the ripple of power which had given him presence of mind once more. It, for that was exactly what it was though it sounded male, dreamed of devouring the small creature it saw within its mind. The ancient bloodline promised to a great destiny.
But it wanted the youth when it was at it's peak to savor the truest sense of that old blood. Until it reached the destined stage, it would regain its full power, and once more make the world an ocean of icy death.
The Beast of old has awoken, and all shall tremble under its gaze.
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Rage
Hummanl, the third day, year 4531,
I awoke slowly, enjoying the feel of once more being buried inside one of my mates upon waking. The first moments of waking themselves were small bits of wonder to me. A small glimpse into that first feeling of freedom. Because each time I awoke now, it was too fresh air, and the warmth of the sun on my face.
It had been two full months since we left the Pit, myself and those of my Pride. Two months under the control of a new Master, though kind in his own way, a master all the same. He allowed us to discuss his plans, and dictate how the Fort should expand and shore up all the defences to make them harder to penetrate.
I was under no illusion however. Our wiring, our very makeup of how we lived, would allow us no room to disobey the Master we were forced to serve. A fact beaten into us from nearly our first days, obey.
I knew our only hope was truly to break the chains, and even then it was only mine I wished to break. I had grown to accept my Pride meant something to me, and so did my three Mates, as well as the child that was my pet. But it was ultimately only my freedom I desired.
In time, whatever means it took, I would have that as well. Shaking myself from the depressing thoughts my mind had taken me toward, I slid myself out from Bitter, and shoved her gently on top of Envy.
Word had reached us, via Cruelty, that a group of individuals was to arrive today, and from how Cruelty described them, it was two members of the Ten, and several Black Guard with a procession of cargo behind them.
This portion of the Black Guard were likely those directly tied to the two Ten that were arriving today. Each of the Ten controlled a section of Black Guard for their own use, and direction. They were marked separately by the color of Leonine crest on their shoulder guards.
Black was for the Blood Father alone, Blue for Ogre, White for Frost, Grey for Lynxus, Green for Ivy, Brown for Huntress, Red for Aegis, Silver for Moon, Yellow for Raven, Purple for Void, and Pink for Hawk.
From what Cruelty had seen, or been allowed to see, it was Aegis, and Moon who were arriving today. Aegis was the literal Shield of the Pridelings, and Moon was the soothing calm.
Neither tended to leave Blood Stone unless under direct order from the Blood Father, or a call to arms was required. This meant the long awaited 'reward' was here, and it was in whatever those covered wagons they had behind them in the report.
I sighed, and rotated my neck, satisfied when I felt the crack of it popping in place. I had somehow dislocated it in my sleep. Likely due to how Hate was all but strangling me in her sleep. She clung, a lot. It would have to be broken eventually.
Saphiria was in a room that I had procured for her separate from mine, to allow me to mate without issue, but with the only entrance and exit being a door that led into my room. There was not even a window within her space. I'd requested it be made for me. Now whatever wished to take her, would have to go through me..
I shook Hate awake, and told her to get the others ready, and to bring Saphiria in an hour to greet the Two members of the Ten scheduled to arrive this morning. She blinked sleepily, comprehension flowing through her eyes slowly. I felt somewhat smug at causing that amount of exhaustion in her.
For my part, I took my leave, after pulling on my pants, I had been informed that I should not leave naked again. Fredrick seemed to Think that the female cats would assault me the next time. I'd stated they would all die if they did, matter of factly. I'd received an odd look from him afterwards, and he just ordered me to ensure it didn't happen again. As such, I now never left without them.
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When I arrived at the greeting hall, Fredrick and Hellen were already present. They knew how dangerous members of the Ten could be, Void had sent that fact home without trouble. They also knew they spoke with the authority of my peoples leader.
As such, they seemed decked out to impress. Fredrick wore his finest garb, rather form fitting silk that matched his black ears and tail. Hellen wore the same, and I ahd to admit form fitting suited her far better, the colors matched her calico colorations well.
"Rage, they are entering the first gate now. Do you have any idea why two of them are here?" Fredrick asked, I could smell his nervousness.
"Gift, from the Blood Father" I stated simply, then nodded at Forge who was present with the others of my Pride. River stood beside him, slightly behind, followed by the Red Guard, and the Berserkers under his command, then it went down the line, Anvil, Cruelty, Curse, Hydra. Hate, Envy, and Bitter would be here shortly to take their places.
Of course, no sooner had I thought that, that they arrived. Far earlier than I instructed, with a very tired looking Saphiria behind them who stumble walked toward me while rubbing her eyes. She had decided to wear the red leather I'd given her today, it seemed.
It actually caused me to smile a bit at her, and pat her head gently. Hellen was glaring at me for this, and Fredrick had a very strang look on his face. It took me a moment to realize that this would likely be the first time he saw me smile, outside of when I was battle crazed and baring my fangs. I'd been informed it was a stark contrast to how I normally acted.
This made me want to frown, it showed a weakness that could be exploited in my doting of Saphiria, I would have to ensure she was trained to fight properly soon. I could not allow myself this weakness, and the easiest way to ensure it would to turn her into a warrior. Beside, she exibited to much of our kind, while not being one of us, to not be trained.
The exelerated growth, speed, regeneration; I also noticed a slight increase in strength. She needed trained, I would have to speak with Forge about it later. He would be the least likely to kill her with the training.
While we waited, some of the cats fidgeting, not a single Prideling moved, aside from breathing, we stood stalk still and at attention. These were two of the most powerful of our kind, and we had been engrained to never move to portray a form of weakness. The Berserkers as least. The Red Guard simply followed our lead.
After about half of an hour of waiting, the doors to the keep opened, and in walked Aegis, and Moon, an individual who put even Envy to utter shame in sheer beauty, and sexuality.
Behind them, came ten memebers of each of their respective Black Guard, followed by several slaves carrying chests. They greeted Fredrick, with little interest. It seemed just second nature, then he was dismissed. I didn;t dare look to see how both he, and Hellen had taken that.
They then greeted myself, and each of my eight in turn. Aegis seemed to linger over Anvil, and Moon over Cruelty. It seemed probing, for me they showed only minor interest, as if I was an oddity rarely seen, and if what The Blood Father had said was true, I was. I was also the closest thing to a sibling the Ten would have, aside from the fact I was born from his loins.
I must have been frowning, because Aegis regarded me steadily, staring me down until I had to look away. I heard him grun, before gesturing the Slaves to bring up the chests, four in total. "These, are gifts given by The Blood Father to show his pleased reaction to hearing of your success against overwhelming odds. You have shown yourselves to be prime examples of your caste, as have you Red Guard. You lost not a single Pridelings, and as such have earned this reward."
Aegis gestured to the first two chest, both were huge, the chests themselves had to weigh eighty pounds without adding what may lay within.
When it was opened, it showed stacks of Blue leather, armour, Blue symbolized those in the army of Pridelings who had grown and survived against odds designed to kill them. Normally only two out of every hundred Red Guard ever gained the Blue leather. Now thirty would seem to gain it in one shot. I almost gaped in shock, however each Red Guard did gape.
Moon spoke shortly after, her voice was so enchanting, it drew me into it and I almost lost the words she spoke. "You have shown yourselves worthy of dawning the Blue, step forward and take youe reward. LEave the Red behind. You are now allowed to consider yourselves Prideling warriors of merit."
Each did so, they did not need my permission when a member of the Ten directed them. Nor would I dare to speak to demand it. One by one, they all stripped in the room, and dawned their new apparel, before taking their place back where they were meant to be. It took around an hour total.
Following this, Aegis spoke. "Fredrick, as a personal thank you for your understanding and aid The Blood Father has deemed you worthy of this." He gestured to the third chest, smaller, though only slightly, than the first two. What lay inside were gems, and gold. Easily several hundred thousand units worth of it. A treasure of untold rishes, by most peoples standards. I simply saw pretty metal.
It explained why it took six slaves to carry the damn thing though. Aegis continued speaking. "This is the sum The Blood Father feels is worth the time his untested youths have been in your care, as well as a personal thank you for helping his son grow."
Well, there was that, confirmation. Each member of my pride moved then, their heads, and stared at me in open shock, while Fredrick was making some kind of wheezing sound, and I believe I heard Hellen gasp. I felt saphiria's hand enter mine, and she squezzed gently. I didn;t look at her, but gave a small squeeze in return, she was providing me with support. I would reward her later.
Incidentally, that small action caught the attention of Moon, who looked at the child with interest. "So, this is the little one Father spoke of, the one you attempted to heal without proper knowledge. She's a half, very rare. Normally killed."
She said this all coldly, almost as cold as her etheral beauty, and I let out a very quiet growl. Shortly after it left my lips I felt a small, feminine hand enclosed around my throat, and the etheral beauty in question now inches from my face, regarding me as though I were a worm.
"You dare? I stated a fact, not what would occur. You are to rash, and foolish to be called his offspring, you are but a whelp. hardly worth mentioning and bring nothing but shame to Fathers name. Yet you dare to growl at me?"
I swalloed past her hand, barely, and stared back at her as best as I could. I was saved by Aegis placing a hand on her shoulder. "Moon, Father will not enjoy his death, he has plans yet." I felt her hand slowly release me, and she simply walked back to the final chest.
"This, is your reward young berserkers, the Twenty-nine of you have survived, and grown to a point you have earned true clothing, befitting your caste." The last chest, was easily the largest, adn when opened held an assortment of mix matched colors, and designed leather clothing. Apparently we would be allowed to pic our own style of dress, an odd occurance as few Berserkers were given this descision.
"However, you will do this later, in a private setting between you all." The lid closed, and Moon continued. "You" she pointed at Forge, and myself "Take the others, the Blue Guard included, along with this chest to a place no one will see you. We will find you shortly. The one named Cruelty, and the one named Anvil will remain. We wish to speak to our failed offspring."
We were moving to do just that, when her words struck us fully, and it made my jaw almost hit the ground, what!?
We recieved a glare, and were told to hurry up or she would rip an arm off of us, and so we hurried. Before we could leave the room however, we heard a laugh. It came from up above, behind the throne, and upwind oddly enough, with the doors to the hall still open.
It was a deep, mlae laugh. I looked up, and what I saw made my skin run cold. Not out of fear, but shock. I could see Moon, and Aegis also place themselves on alert, it made me wonder a moment who he was, but the looks alone told me exactly who he was.
Sitting in the massive window, regarding us all, a smile upon his lips was a man, around six and a half feet tall, though that was an estimate. He wor hardened black leather, and his skin was bronzed to perfection. He was also bulky, his muscles bulged, and were well defined. It spoke of a man who had primed his body for fighting. Long Crimson red hair, the exact color of The Blood Fathers, and a face that was earily resemblance to mine, though more masculane in nature.
Placed upon his shoulder, resting, and leading down to sit between his legs was a Bastard sword that rivaled Hates own.
The voice that followed the laughter was deep, no growling tenure, but it spoke to his heritage, along with the amber colored eyes. "Oh, don't stop on my account, I'm only here to see what Yggdrisal felt a short time ago. Seems it's true, as well. Darling Father had another son. And you two, stop thinking about how to fight me. I'm Fathers First born, and far older than you. I'm not here to fight, today. I just wished to see my little brother."
He regarded me, and I did not feel safe. It felt like I was prey again, and I did not like it. "We will meet again, little brother. Someplace alone, and soon."
After that, he simply disappeared. Moon, and Aegis regarded the spot he had been, before telling us to continue on our way. He was gone for now. We did, all the while my mind filled with more questions. What in the bloody hell was happening?
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Here you are my lovelies! I hope you enjoy this chapter, and the introduction of another ancient, as well as the eldest son of The Blood Father.
Next episode containts detailed character descriptions, along with their new wardrobe, for each prideling, along with a few more revelations, and one more Relavent ancient awakening.
Then we move on toward the main plot of this chapter. War arrives soon!
As always, much love and cookies, and please. Rate, Comment, and Follow. ^.^